CHICAGO – Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane's decision to bolt for Europe isn’t any more of an indication that talks between the league and the players association aren’t going well. That notion doesn’t need more evidence. It just means he’s restless and wants to play hockey.

Patrick Kane won't head to Switzerland until after Friday's "Champs for Charity" game. Dennis Wierzbicki/US Presswire

Though a new CBA doesn’t seem to be nearing completion, that could change at any time and Kane would be back. Expect more of his teammates to join him overseas as the calendar moves towards November.

The good news is that Kane held off joining EHC Biel in the Swiss league until after the “Champs for Charity” game is played on Friday at the AllState Arena.

"Everyone is very appreciative that Patrick held off going to Europe until after the game,” NHL agent and game organizer Bill Zito said. “That was a class act and I know the Ronald McDonald House will benefit because of it.”

It may not be the hockey everyone was hoping for at this time of year but an early reunion of many of the 2010 Blackhawks can’t be a bad thing for a fan base starving for the NHL to return. The only question is: How competitive will the game be?

“That’s the goal,” Patrick Sharp said recently. “We’ve been working out with each other for a long time now. It will be fun to play a real game.”

It might be the only chance for Chicagoans to see their favorite players for a while as Kane and others are bound for Europe. At least some good will come of the lockout. The Ronald McDonald House of Chicagoland is hoping to raise $250,000 through sponsors and ticket sales. It might turn out to be the only positive of a situation that’s been bleak since summer.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Game time is 7:30 p.m. on Friday.